Two separate rule sets govern this and the first question is always which one applies. Rules for the Use of Force cover law enforcement and security duties; Rules of Engagement cover military operations, and personnel operating under ROE are governed by the Chairman's standing rules instead. Where deadly force is used, the person who used it must be able to articulate why it was objectively reasonable given their perception of the threat and the totality of the circumstances.
Readers asked this on CheckMyRegs and CheckMyAFI 14 times — this page answers it from the official catalogs and the publications’ own text.
| Branch | Controlling publication | Dated | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DoD-wide | DoDD 5210.56 Current Arming and use of force, the policy above all services | 2016-11-18 | Official link |
| Air Force | DAFI 31-117 Current Arming and use of force by DAF personnel | 2025-01-28 | Official link |
| Marine Corps | MCO 5500.6H w/ CH-1 Current Arming of law enforcement and security personnel | 2013-08-21 | Official link |
| Navy | SECNAVINST 5500.37 CH-1 Current Department of the Navy use-of-force policy | 2019-05-20 | Official link |
| Army | AR 190-14 Current Carrying of firearms and use of force for law enforcement and security duties | 2024-03-01 | Official link |
When deadly force is used, the member must be able to explain why it was objectively reasonable based on their own perception of the threat and the totality of the circumstances — that standard, not the outcome, is what gets reviewed.
“3.10.1. When deadly force is used, personnel must be able to articulate why it was objectively reasonable based on his/her perception of the threat and the totality of the circumstances. (T-0) Deadly force is authorized under the circumstances prescribed in the Standing Rules for the Use of Force (CJCSI 3121.01B, Enclosure L). Namely, when exercising the inherent right of self-defense or, defense of others; and in relation to assets vital to national security, dangerous property, and national critical infrastructure (as those terms are defined in the CJCSI).”
Personnel engaged in military operations conducted under rules of engagement fall under the Chairman's Standing Rules of Engagement and Standing Rules for the Use of Force rather than the installation law-enforcement policy.
“1.9.1. DAF military personnel engaged in military operations conducted in accordance with rules of engagement. These personnel are subject to the policy in Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction 3121.01B, Standing Rules of Engagement/Standing Rules for the Use of Force for US Forces.”
Marine Corps policy lays the two regimes side by side and specifies when engagement rules apply versus use-of-force rules for personnel on law enforcement and security duties.
“4. Comparison of DOD Rules for Use of Force Regulations and Rules of Engagement a. Figure 2-4 illustrates the relationship between ROE and DOD/tJSNC RUF regulations for personnel involved in law enforcement and security duties. Reference (a) governs when ROE and RUF apply. Operating Forces Rules of EnQagement Law Enforcement and Security Personnel Self DOD/USMC Defense Use of Force Regulations Figure 2-4. --Comparison of RUF and ROE 2-15 Enclosure (1) MCD 5500.6H 26 Aug 11 The standing ROE (reference (a)) establish fundamental policies and procedures governing the actions to be taken by U.S. commanders duriiig all military operations and contingencies and routine Military Department functions. This last category includes Antjterrorisxn/Force Protection (AT/FP) duties, but excludes law enforcement and security duties on DOD installations, and off-installation while conducting official”… (paragraph continues in the PDF)
Less lethal force, less than deadly, non-lethal and less than lethal all mean the same thing in this policy, so do not read a distinction into which term a local instruction happens to use.
“As used in this policy, less lethal force is synonymous with less than deadly, non-lethal, and less than lethal force. national critical infrastructure. For the purpose of DoD operations, President-designated public utilities, or similar critical infrastructure, vital to public health or safety, the damage to which the President has determined would create an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm or injury. NLWs. Weapons, devices, and munitions that are explicitly designed and primarily employed to incapacitate targeted personnel or material while minimizing fatalities, permanent injury to personnel, and undesired damage to property in the target area or environment. personal protection. The carrying and employment of a firearm for the protection of oneself or others from death or serious bodily injury. privately owned firearm. A non-government-issued firearm (including”… (paragraph continues in the PDF)
A Use of Force Review Board is not required or appropriate for every incident — local command inquiries are typically sufficient to evaluate incidents involving non-lethal weapons.
“2.13.1.1. A Use of Force Review Board is not required or appropriate for all use of force incidents. Typically, local command inquiries or investigations are sufficient to evaluate the facts and circumstances surrounding use of force incidents involving non -lethal weapons. A Use of Force Review Board is often recommended by the Installation Commander to the MAJCOM/FLDCOM Commander when fatalities or serious injuries result from use of force firearm discharges. Negative media attention, civil reaction or local command investigation results are also considerations. Regardless, the MAJCOM/FLDCOM Commander may elect to convene (or not convene) a Use of Force Review Board for any use of force incident. Use of Force Review Boards are not appropriate for military operations conducted in accordance with Rules of Engagement.”
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs recommends the Standing Rules for the Use of Force to the Secretary and sets the criteria and procedures for reporting changes in arming decisions.
“2.5. CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF (CJCS). The CJCS will: a. Recommend to the Secretary Standing Rules for the Use of Force consistent with this issuance. b. Establish criteria and procedures for Components to report changes in arming decisions. c. Provide periodic updates to the Mission Assurance Senior Steering Group and the DoD Physical Security Review Board on Component-reported changes to arming decisions.”
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Updated 2026-08-01. CheckMyRegs is an unofficial index — always cite the official publication.